Publicans 'extremely concerned' about Heineken price increase

The Vintners Federation of Ireland, which represents the country's publicans, said its members are "extremely concerned" about a price rise announced by beer giant Heineken today (Thursday).

In a statement, the Vintners group said Heineken was raising the price that it charges publicans for draught beers. Publicans now have to pay 17c per pint more to stock these products, the federation stated.

"We know members are extremely concerned about this price rise," said Vintners Federation of Ireland CEO Paul Clancy.

"There is never a good time for such a price increase, but in the current climate, where everyone is feeling the impact of soaring costs, this is particularly poor timing.

"Due to the cost of doing business, most publicans will have to pass on the price increase to their customers."

Mr Clancy said such price increases were the last thing the industry needed at present.

"The energy crisis has resulted in many pubs having to curtail their opening times to save money, while other costs such as insurance and Sky Sports are making it extremely difficult for publicans to break even.

"Pub customers are also going through their own cost of living crisis and we know our members are desperately unhappy about having to pass on this increase," he concluded.